Obituary of Walter Santos

Palmer- Walter (Wally) Santos, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 24, 2023.  Born on December 25, 1924 in Palmer, MA, he was the son of Antonio Santos and Albertina (Chaves).  Walter was a life-long resident of Palmer where countless friendships were made, a family was raised, and his faith held him strong as he was a communicant of the Divine Mercy Parish.  Growing up on the farm on Baptist Hill with his 14 siblings, Walter’s commitment to family was rooted and his appreciation of hard work was established.  At the age of 17, Walter joined the Navy and fought in WWII before returning home after witnessing the signing of the Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay, a treaty of peace.  After returning home, Walter met the love of his life of 61 years, Jeannette Vertefeuille, who predeceased him in 2013. Walter worked hard to grow his family and create a beautiful home with a yard that was the envy of the neighborhood and a garden that could feed the entire family.  Walter loved his work as he worked most of his life in the paving industry, spending many years with his co-workers that he called family at Palmer Paving Corporation and continued working in the paving business, retiring the shovel at the young age of 82.  Walter was well known for his social charm, a little bit of luck, his ability to work just as hard as the guy 60 years younger than him, his faith, but most importantly, his pride and love for his family.  Whether it was with a visit to family or friends to deliver something delicious from his garden, a game of go fish, a rock on his swing in the yard or a simple shared meal, Walter loved and cherished every moment with his family and friends and always left with a hug and a laugh.   
He will be deeply missed by his children, Maureen Gallagher (William), Suzanne Moskal (Edward), Janine LeBlanc (Michael), Carl Santos (Robin), and Michelle Siddle. His love will also remain with his grandchildren, Jessica Noonan (Ted), Jennifer Johnson (Gabe), Jeffrey Main, Jamie Latozke (Alan), Jacquelyn Siddle, Timothy Siddle (Brittany), Kaitlyn Santos, Connor Santos; six great-grandchildren; and his sister Patricia Jusko and his brother George Santos. 
Visitation will be Monday, July 31, from 4–7 PM at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Friends and family may either gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, Aug. 1st, at 9 AM or meet directly at Divine Mercy Parish for a 10 AM Funeral Mass. Burial will follow in St. Anne’s Cemetery. For those wishing, donations may be made in his memory to Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew St. Springfield, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675.